Arrests made after multiple car crashes at Kent pubs

A 24-year-old man has been charged with nine offences following a collision in New Romney on Friday night, according to police.

James Bates, of Blenheim Road, New Romney, was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, six counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault by beating, the following day.

Kent Police said they were called to a report that a vehicle had collided with a building and a group of people in New Romney High Street at 9.52pm on Friday night. The building was revealed to the Cinque Port Arms pub.

According to BBC News, pub owner Kevin Gibbons said a man had been led off the premises before getting in his car and crashing into the building’s facade.

Four customers reported injuries at the time with three men treated for non-life threatening injuries according to Kent Police. The driver also sustained injuries and had to be cut from the wreckage of his car according to Kent Fire and Rescue Services.

Bates is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 27 November.

In a separate incident in the early hours of Sunday morning, two vehicles crashed into a pub after colliding at the junction of Margate Road and Newington Road in Ramsgate.

Kent Police reported that a black Vauxhall Viva failed to stop when requested to do so by officers at 2.13am. After a pursuit was authorised, the vehicle was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 307 that resulted in both cars crashing into the Hare & Hounds pub.

The Peugeot driver, a 40-year-old man from the area, was taken to hospital with an arm injury while a 20-year-old man, the alleged driver of the Vauxhall being chased by police, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft, possessing a bladed article and possession of herbal cannabis according to police.

He remains in custody as enquiries continue. The police are appealing for information regarding what they describe as a “serious collision”.

No police cars made contact with either vehicle, however, the matter will be reported to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as standard practice according to Kent Police reports.

• Anyone with information is asked to call 01622 798538 quoting AW/DJ/263/17 or email fpvh.gq@xrag.caa.cbyvpr.hx​. They are particularly keen to hear from drivers who may have dash camera footage.